Climate protection

An independent study led by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) estimates that the cement industry is responsible for about 5% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions generated by human activities, globally and 1.2% in Australia. As such, the issue of climate protection has long been recognised as a substantial challenge for the cement industry.

Cement Australia measures and reports its GHG emissions using two measures. First on an absolute basis (or the tonnes of CO2 emitted), which best reflects our total greenhouse gas impact but which is most affected by public consumption patterns. Secondly using a specific basis – or the tonnes of CO2 emission per tonne of cement and cement-like materials (referred to as cementitious materials) produced and sold into the market. This specific CO2 indicator reflects the value of efficiency measures which Cement Australia can directly control through its abatement programs.

WBCSD Cement Sustainability Initiative

For more detailed information about Cement Australia’s climate protection initiatives see:

• Australian Greenhouse Challenge Program
• Greenhouse-related Performance Indicators
• Case Study: Tree Farm at Railton
  

The chemical process of converting limestone (pictured) to calcium oxide accounts for half of the cement industry’s GHG emissions.